WILMINGTON, OHIO — Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop Sunday across portions of southwest and central Ohio, with the National Weather Service in Wilmington highlighting Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Wilmington, Chillicothe, and Portsmouth within the primary threat zone.
Forecasters indicate no major changes in thinking regarding the setup. The main concern remains large hail during the late afternoon, transitioning into a damaging wind threat through the evening hours as storms organize into line segments.
Timing: Late Afternoon Through Early Monday
Storms are expected to develop and move north to south across the region, with the most active window projected between 5 PM Sunday and 1 AM Monday.
Initial storm development may occur during peak heating hours. As temperatures climb into the 80s, instability will build across much of southern and central Ohio, priming the atmosphere for stronger updrafts capable of producing severe hail.
Primary Hazard: Large Hail
The first storms to develop Sunday afternoon may remain more isolated. During this early phase, large hail will be the primary hazard, especially in stronger individual cells…